Marie Takes On Head Of Religious Education Role

Marie Sadler has been appointed Head of Religious Education for 2023. We sat down with Marie to better understand her background, who inspires her, and what she hopes to bring to the role. You might be surprised by what you read! 

What did your career look like prior to working at Santa Maria College?

Prior to working at Santa Maria College, I had a range of careers. After completing my Masters in Marine and Fisheries Science at Aberdeen University in Scotland, I worked as a marine biologist and later moved into the field of policy and legislation, working as a food hygiene policy advisor for the Scottish government. I then moved to the United States and worked as a primary school science teacher in Louisiana. This role allowed me to combine my passion for science with my interest in teaching. I found it to be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. I had found my vocation.

After moving to Perth, I completed my Graduate Diploma in Education at Notre Dame University and gained valuable experience at South Fremantle Senior High School and Seton Catholic College before joining the teaching staff at Santa Maria College. My previous teaching experience helped me develop a strong foundation in pedagogy and curriculum design and a deep appreciation for the importance of building positive relationships with students and creating supportive and inclusive learning environments. My career has been characterised by a willingness to explore new fields and pursue opportunities that align with my interests and values. I am excited to continue this journey at Santa Maria College and contribute my skills and experience to this school community.

What inspired you to become a Religious Education teacher?

I grew up in an Irish Catholic family so religion has always been a very important part of my life. I am passionate about education and believe that teaching is a deeply meaningful and rewarding profession that allows me to positively impact young people’s lives. I am drawn to the field of religious education because it provides an opportunity to explore important questions about meaning, purpose, and the human condition and can help students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

 I am inspired by the ways in which religion can provide a framework for understanding the human experience, addressing questions of meaning and purpose, and fostering personal growth and development. As a religion teacher, I am passionate about helping students explore their faith traditions and beliefs and encouraging them to think critically and reflectively about their experiences and perspectives. Whether through classroom discussions, research investigations, or retreats, I believe that the study of religion can be an enriching and transformative experience that provides opportunities for spiritual development and can also help students to develop critical skills such as research, analysis, interpretation, reflection, empathy, discernment, and communication.